Kay McWhinney

Kay McWhinney

Cedar Rapids

Kathryn “Kay” Frances Regan McWhinney passed away April 17 after a long journey with Progressive Aphasia. A visitation will be held at St. Pius X on Friday, April 19 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m.). Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church with a luncheon following. A private burial will be at a later time.

Kay was born March 14, 1943 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Frank and Kathryn Weinke Regan. A most talented, highly intelligent student, Kay was gifted in music, playing the violin, and piano. Kay attended St.

Matthew grade school and, as an 8th grade student, played the organ at the first Mass debut of St. Matthew’s new church. Kay attended Mt. Mercy girl’s academy, and the newly opened Regis High School and was fortunate to be chosen to work at the phone company as an operator; Kay was also a store model at Armstrong’ s Department store. Kay then attended Mt. Mercy University, where she earned her Medical Technology degree where she actively volunteered and served on multiple student committees and was nominated to be a school model for Glamour magazine. Upon graduation, Kay worked in the SUI laboratory, being one of the first to use the new multi test laboratory machines. She then worked at C.R. Mercy Hospital until she decided to stay home and raise her family. After that, she went back to Mercy and worked for twenty years.

Kay met Jon McWhinney and after a warm courtship, was married in 1965. Kay is survived by Jon, son’s Matthew (Anne) of Chicago, Mark (Sara) of Cedar Rapids, Michael (Patricia) Jackson, Wi, and daughter Molly (Craig) of Bettendorf, IA, granddaughters Amanda Skovronsky (Paul) of Dubuque, Lizzy Shuda (Danny) of Urbandale, Jessica of Bettendorf, Isabella of Jackson, Wi, grandson Jacob of Des Moines, great-granddaughter Ruby Kay, sister-in-law Jane Regan and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her 3 brothers Robert (in WWII), John and Jim Regan, sister-in-law Ginny Regan. And the tragedy of her life, her two beloved sons, Paul and Mitch.

As deeply spiritual and devoted Catholic, Kay was committed to Catholic schools, serving on the school board at St. Pius and a participating advocate at Regis and Xavier. She was devoted to St. Pius church, serving on the Parish Council, was greeter, worked on funeral dinners, funeral services and made countless dishes for church events. She faithfully volunteered and served at the Community Free Health clinic. Never did a day go by without doing the Rosary & Devine Chaplet. Upon the tragic death of Mitch, she was deeply involved with support groups and helped others.

Kay was fortunate to retire in 2006 and she deepened her volunteerism and pursued passions that she had little time for while working. Kay and Jon were blessed to travel to a treasured list of locations including Ireland, countries throughout Europe, see the Holy Land, and various locations in the U.S. including a family 50th anniversary Alaska trip. Kay also followed her interest in gardening/horticulture, leading to a most treasured accomplishment of being named “Master Gardener Of The Year” in 2019.

Every person with whom Kay interacted would tell you what a kind, loving, caring, humble person she was, always with an angelic smile. She profoundly touched the lives of others, whether it be in Church, her patients and colleagues, the bereaved, her Master Gardener colleagues, her patients at the Free Clinic and her countless friends. On behalf of the family, we give thanks for her loving care to Dr. Cearlock, Right @ Home, especially, Chris, Gwen, Sam and Lilly. Also thanks to special friend CeCe, Fr. Seda (St. Pius Church), Sister Maurita, and a special thank-you to Mercy Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kay’s memory may be directed to Community Health Free Clinic, St. Pius Church and Xavier, Cedar Rapids.